Scenario 1
Giving information about the diagnosis of coeliac disease
Task:
You are on your General Practice placement and the GP has asked you to see the parent of
Ella (aged 4) who has recently been diagnosed with coeliac disease. The parent has been
given an information leaflet about coeliac disease but would like more information.
The GP has asked you to talk to the parent and practice your information giving skills
under direct observation. Please find out what the patient already understands, be
prepared to give information and answer any questions that you can regarding the
diagnosis.
Set the agenda:
What does the parent know? What do they want to find out? What do you need to
explain?
 Coeliac disease is a condition that causes inflammation in the lining of part of the
gut (the small intestine). It is not a food allergy or a food intolerance. It is an
autoimmune disease which affects about 1:100 people in the UK and often runs in
families. The cause is a sensitivity to gluten, and people with coeliac disease make
antibodies against gluten. Food will not be absorbed properly.
 Having a gluten-free diet reduces the risk of developing other conditions (including
anaemia & osteoporosis).
 The only treatment for coeliac disease is not to eat any food that contains gluten
for the rest of your life. The main foods to stop are any that contain wheat, barley or
rye. Many common foods contain these ingredients, such as breads, pasta, cakes,
pastries and some cereals.
 Potatoes, rice, maize, corn, fruit, vegetables, dairy products, meat, fish, lentils and
soya- based foods are fine.
 A common mistake is to eat small amounts of food which contain gluten.
 A referral to a dietician is recommended and helpful information about managing
coeliac disease can be found on Coeliac.org.uk :
https://www.coeliac.org.uk/information-and-support/coeliac-disease/about-coeliacdisease/
Source: www.patient.info and www.coeliac.org.uk